WHO and CZA Teams Review Bird Flu Measures at Delhi Zoo

A WHO team reviewed bird flu measures at Delhi's National Zoological Park, finding satisfactory steps in place. The zoo has been on high alert and implemented intensive sanitation and bio-security measures to safeguard bird, animal, and staff health. No new bird deaths have been reported.

New Delhi, Sep 4 (PTI) - A World Health Organisation (WHO) team visited the National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi on Thursday to review measures taken against the spread of avian influenza. Despite no new bird deaths reported, the WHO team expressed satisfaction with the steps implemented by the zoo administration [1].

The zoo administration has been implementing intensive sanitation and bio-security measures to safeguard the health of birds, animals, and staff. The WHO team held discussions with the zoo director regarding the health screening of frontline staff and measures taken for public safety, and expressed satisfaction with the actions taken so far [1, 2].

A surveillance team from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), along with officials from the Delhi government's animal husbandry department, also collected environmental and bird samples from the Delhi zoo for further screening and analysis [1, 2]. The Delhi zoo remains on high alert and is taking all necessary measures as per standard guidelines to contain the disease at the earliest [1, 2].

On Friday, it was first reported that painted storks and ibises have died, prompting the zoo authorities to shut the premises for visitors from Saturday as a precautionary measure [1, 2, 3]. By Monday, the death toll from bird flu at the zoo had risen to 15, with more samples testing positive for the H5N1 virus [4].

The zoo's director, Dr. Sanjeet Kumar, stated that intensive surveillance and strict biosecurity measures are underway to prevent the spread of the disease among birds, animals in enclosures, and frontline workers [4]. The zoo has been shut for visitors since Friday, and a team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is scheduled to visit the zoo on Tuesday for staff screening [4].

The Delhi zoo continues to take necessary measures, including thorough cleaning and disinfection of animal houses and bird areas, to contain the infection and protect precious animals and zoo workers [4].

References:
[1] https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2025/09/04/des100-dl-zoo-flu.html
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/who-cza-teams-review-measures-against-spread-of-bird-flu-at-delhi-zoo-125090401668_1.html
[3] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2163889
[4] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/bird-flu-death-toll-rises-to-15-at-zoo-in-delhi-more-samples-test-positive-10225083/lite/